Corn Cockle

Corn Cockle is a tall annual with singular pink/purple flowers, dating back as far as the Iron Age in Britain; however it is now virtually extinct in the wild.

Uses

This annual is very good at attracting pollinators and provides heaps of flowers whilst being easy to grow.

Strengths

Corn Cockles are very easy to grow from seed.

Frost Tolerance

They are hardy and can withstand frost.

Ideal Sowing Time

Corn Cockle seed is short-lived once planted in the soil, so it's best to sow in spring.

Management

This is a very low maintenance species that requires little management.

Distinguishing characteristics

Seed
A medium brown to dark brown seed covered in rows of raised tubercles (wart-like projections) that increase in height away from the hilum, oval in shape usually with a flat side. Approximately 90 seeds per gram.

Flowering Plant
A tall annual standing between 1 and 3 feet tall, with long silky hairs closely pressed against the stem and leaves. An attractive vivid purple flower-head.

Additional Info

Flowers: June to September Some alternatively used names for Corn Cockle are Corn Pink, Gith and Joy of love. The plant was once common in cornfields, but has been almost eradicated because the black seeds, being poisonous, make flour containing them unfit for use.

Works well with

Common poppy, scentless mayweed and shepherd's purse.

Buy Corn Cockle Straight

You can find Corn Cockle in the following mixtures

• Annual Beneficial Insect Mix
• Cornfield Annuals Mixture
• Cotswold Wild Flora

History

Evidence suggests that Corn Cockle was first brought to Britain from Europe by Iron Age farmers, some 2,400 years ago.